pretentious

[pri-ten-shuhs]

adjective

1. characterized by assumption of dignity or importance, especially when exaggerated or undeserved.

   a pretentious, self-important waiter.

   Synonyms: pompous

2. making an exaggerated outward show; ostentatious.

   Synonyms: showy

3. full of pretense or pretension; having no factual basis; false.

pretentious

/ prɪˈtɛnʃəs /

adjective

1. making claim to distinction or importance, esp undeservedly

2. having or creating a deceptive outer appearance of great worth; ostentatious

Other Word Forms

• pretentiously adverb
• pretentiousness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of pretentious¹

First recorded in 1835–45; earlier pretensious; equivalent to pretense + -ious

Synonym Study

See bombastic. See grandiose.

Example Sentences

An outing in Blue - a "pretentious, self-conscious, literary Western without much zest", according to one critic - didn't help.

From BBC

“That idea feels a little pretentious to me.”

From Los Angeles Times

“There’s this appetite for accessible luxury — something indulgent, but not pretentious. One perfect spoonful, then onto the next.”

From Salon

There have always been those who found the place, with its pretentious airs, dilatory pacing and stultifying rules of order, a frustrating environment to work in, much less thrive.

From Los Angeles Times

Everyone at the party wants to be in Mary’s orbit because she’s magnanimous, not pretentious.

From Salon

Related Words

• arty 
• exaggerated 
• grandiose 
• hollow 
• overblown 
• pompous 
• showy 
• stilted 
• turgid